Basketball fans who tuned in for tonight’s NBA Finals to see the Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors didn’t know they’d be treated to a pre-show battle of sorts as viewers at home took to Twitter to weigh in on if Grammy winners Alessia Cara or Fantasia delivered the more rousing rendition of their respective home countries’ national anthems.

Fannie kicked off the ceremony with a stirring interpretation of the ‘Star Spangled Banner,’ almost taking onlookers to church by its fiery end.   Cara, who had the home field advantage as the game was held at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, had the crowd singing in unison as she extended the mic out to encourage them to assist her cute version of  ‘O, Canada.’

The respective renditions ignited debate on who was better.  Polls revealed Canadian viewers said Cara left Fannie in the dust.  Watch both inside and weigh in:

Canadians are really out here saying that Alessia Cara is a better singer than Fantasia. pic.twitter.com/3YSXn5TBhE

— Christen (@_JustAGoodGirl) June 3, 2019

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Lee Daniels‘ TV series ‘Star‘ is officially over.

Y’all I really can’t believe Star Is cancelled! ?

— Arrogant ? (@dev0nte_) May 26, 2019

Full report below…

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Ed Sheeran has revealed that he had hoped to team up with Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber on a track.

Find out why the dream collaboration didn’t happen below…

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Ty Dolla Sign may be renown for his turn-up anthems, but he switches things all the way up on new single ‘Purple Emoji’ featuring rap titan J. Cole.

An ode to love, the track is the lead release from Ty’s upcoming album – one he deems his most personal to date. And this heartfelt jam most definitely sets quite the tone.

Lyrically, the cut sees the LA native wax honest about his feelings for a special someone and for its newly released video he expands the concept to celebrate love of all kinds.

For, featured in the clip are couples of different ages, races, and sexual orientations.

Speaking on the visual, director Olivia Rose explained:

“’Purple Emoji’ instantly connected with me on an authentic level. It’s so amazing to hear that sort of vulnerability from artists who are talking about their day ones and a love that we can all relate to. I wanted to stay true to the lyrics and create a video that showed real couples, real friends, real siblings and the tiniest of actions of intimacy they share. I think the outcome is a video that can resonate with all people from all walks of life and is representative of the full spectrum of love.”

Watch after the jump…

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The standards are high when one’s star is a big as Taylor Swift which is why her smash hit single ‘ME’ has faced talk that is underperforming despite the fact it is one of the largest singles of the year….globally.

Find out why she isn’t bothered below…

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Legendary singer Dionne Warwick caused a firestorm of controversy after a recent interview saw her weigh in on today’s talent and who among the class has the potential to be an “icon” like herself.

Nearly a month after wrapping her Vegas residency and now hot on the promo trail of her new album, ‘She’s Back’ (released May 17), the well-respected, but much outspoken diva is back on the bad side of headlines after she implied Beyonce was among those who have “a long way to go” before reaching iconic status.  Speaking with our friends at Essence recently, Warwick stated:

“I don’t know if 10 years from now, anybody can actually sing the songs of our babies today. That’s not, as you guys say, ‘throwing shade.’ That’s just looking at it with reality,” she said.

That’s not all she said.  More inside:

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Emeli Sande soars to superhuman heights on ‘Extraordinary Being’ – the video for which was unveiled moments ago.

Beyond appearing on her forthcoming album ‘Real Life,’ the track features on the soundtrack for ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix.’

Check out the vivid visual after the jump…

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Alicia Keys is Essence magazine’s newest cover star!

The 15-time Grammy winner features a-front of the June issue of the publication – which arrives ahead of the release of new music.

Within the edition’s inner pages, Keys opens up about motherhood, the inspiration behind her new material, and

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Over a MXXWLL-produced slow jam, rappers Ty Dolla $ign and J. Cole join forces to ode the ladies in their lives.

“You know I need you, baby/So much on my mind I ain’t even really sleeping lately,” Ty wails. “I said some things I didn’t mean—I know I did too much/What’s love if we can’t get into it, turn around and make up?”

Unveiled ahead of $ign’s next solo studio album, the follow-up t0 2017’s ‘Beach House 3,’ look inside for your first listen of the soulful cut:

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Megan Thee Stallion cuts a striking figure a’front of the newest issue of Fader Magazine.

A name of the lips of many, she’s seen her star soar following the success of her breakout hit ‘Big Ole Freak’ and newly released project ‘Fever.’

And while for some, the fascination centers on her fiery skills as a femcee, others are enamoured with her story – which is already illustrated with both triumphs and hardships.

In her interview feature, she shines light on her narrative, including her Houston upbringing, her time at college, modern rap, the passing of her mother, and more.

Head below for pics and quotes…

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In building her empire, Rihanna continues to make history.

For beyond her colossal success on the singles chart, the Bajan belle is bulldozing barriers by becoming the first Black woman to head up her own luxury fashion house under the LVMH umbrella.

Set for a major unveiling on May 22nd, RiRi poses it up for a first look feature in the newest issue of the New York Times’ T Magazine.

In a compelling interview feature, she also confirms she’s working on a Reggae album, and waxes honest about possible collabs with Drake and Lady Gaga.

All the action after the jump…

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Months before making her film debut in the Jennifer Lopez-led stripper film, ‘Hustlers’ (click here to read more about that), burgeoning diva Lizzo will be making her televised awards show performance debut via the 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards next month.

Having already rocked the house at the 30th annual GLAAD Media Awards earlier this year, the 31-year-old is certainly no stranger to award shows.  This time, however, her performance will hit television screens across the nation and sees her join a bill that features the likes of Martin Garrix, Macklemore, Patrick Stump, and more.

More inside:

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